Practical leadership for a better Barrie: safer streets, a vibrant sense of community, and a council that serves the best interests of The City of Barrie and its residents.
Practical leadership for a better Barrie: safer streets, a vibrant sense of community, and a council that serves the best interests of The City of Barrie and its residents.
The NEW Ward 4 deserves a councillor who shows up, actively engages where it matters, is guided by critical thought and evidence-supported research, and follows through.
No lofty or unrealistic promises that can’t be fulfilled.
I am running to bring steady, community-first, outcome- based representation to the council table.
Your Voice
Quick thoughts on the issues shaping the NEW Ward 4 and the city as a whole. Here, I outline what I’m hearing from the neighbours, at the doors.
Background
I bring over two decades of experience in public service, community safety and business development.
Strong understanding of municipal budgets, governance, and accountability
A focus on safe neighbourhoods, safe streets, and more user-friendly traffic management and planning
A balanced approach to responsible growth, healthy green-spaces, and the waterfront
A commitment to responsible spending and common-sense decision-making
A proven ability to bring people together to deliver positive outcomes
Openness to innovation, while keeping the basics a priority
Background
I bring over two decades of experience in governance, leadership, budgeting, and policy oversight.
As former, two-term city councillor, who served much of the area of the NEW Ward 4, between 2012-2018, I am very familiar with the current state of the city and neighbourhood.
I know the people within the city administration and partner agencies. I know the required protocols. And, I am ready to serve with discipline, integrity, and effectiveness… starting day one.
PRIORITIES
Traffic calming, better crosswalks, and complete street networks so you can walk to school, transit, and parks with confidence.
While ensuring development pays for itself should be an objective, it is vital to ensure that our city's growth aligns with both provincial mandates and our local priorities.
It is important to evolve, and yet we can guide that trajectory.
Past planning ideals have proven flawed in their execution. Barrie's roads planning strategy is a prime example. Yesterday's decision to wait to widen Mapleview and other projected arteries was a massive miscalculation. Today, residents and tax payers are paying the price.
Responsible budgeting can include an upfront investment and a development fee structure that ensures the recovery of that investment (including interest), all while ensuring an improved quality of life for residents today.
Clear communication, quicker follow-up, and predictable delivery of the basic services that make neighbourhoods livable.
ABOUT ARIF
I’m running for Council in the NEW Ward 4 because I believe that local decision-making should be; accountable to, thoughtful of, and grounded in the people they affect.
From community safety, to quality of life centred services, to creating an environment for business to thrive, I believe a Councillor’s primary role is to focus on the core principles of keeping neighbourhoods feeling like home, and creating an environment for people and businesses to thrive.
When it comes to government; the city must serve the people effectively, efficiently, respecting value for hard-earned tax dollars, and act in the interest of the people it serves. This includes delivering on intelligent investment.
Resident Feedback
Why should I trust my vote to Arif?
No fluff. No empty buzzwords. Instead, a willingness to take on meaningful priorities, do the research, build a plan, and lobby council colleagues to take action. I’ve done it before. I will do it again; with your support.
INTRODUCTION
A quick introduction to Arif, why he is running, and what he wants to achieve for Ward 4 residents.
THE RIGHT PEOPLE AT THE TABLE
Barrie’s population growth had moved faster than old projections. Arif Khan pushed for action that reflected today’s reality.
A SAFER COMMUNITY
Arif Khan explains how chronic challenges often require a new approach; collaboration, new thinking, and practical action.
CAMPAIGN UPDATES
Quick, direct updates on the issues shaping Ward 4. Watch Arif outline his vision and respond to what he’s hearing on the doors.
Check back for regular updates!
Leadership begins long before an election.
Leadership isn’t something that begins during an election.
It starts at the bottom; the proverbial Mail Room. It starts with planting seeds and earning the trust of others through investing time and ideas. Along the way, one develops an understanding of the issues, and of what works.
As a long-time volunteer on local boards and service organizations, a former two-term Councillor, an active member of the Police Service Board, and as Producer and Host of Barrie City on the Move, I’ve continued my commitment to engage with City leaders, subject matter experts, and community organizations about the challenges and opportunities facing Barie.
I know what is expected of an elected representative. And I’ve spent years engaging and building trust with the people, projects, and decisions that shape our community.
I believe that informed dialogue, collaboration, and accountability are essential to building a better Barrie.
THE DELICATE BALANCE REQUIRED
A candid conversation with Mayor Alex Nuttall regarding homelessness, encampments, affordable housing, fiscal responsibility, infrastructure, and other priorities
FORECASTING RESOURCES
My conversation with Dave Friary, Director of Operations on what happened, why it happened, and what the city needs to do differently to improve winter-readiness.
A SAFER COMMUNITY
A sit down with Barrie Police Service Chief Rich Johnston, for a candid conversation focused on community safety, trust, the ongoing evolution of modern policing, and…. what’s happening in Barrie.
CAMPAIGN UPDATES
Quick, direct updates on the issues shaping Ward 4. Watch Arif outline his vision and respond to what he’s hearing on the doors.
Check back for regular updates!
GET INVOLVED
Campaigns move at the speed of neighbours talking to neighbours. A few hours volunteering can make a difference in Ward 4.
KEEP IN TOUCH
Send an email, sign up to volunteer, request a lawn sign, or share a priority Arif should know about.
I welcome input from Ward 4 residents. Let me know what matters to you. My record on Council and the Police Service Board speaks to my performance and my level of commitment to delivering desired outcomes.
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